Memorial Day 2026
Let's be thoughtful in our remembrances
Today is a holiday in the USA that is called “Memorial Day.” It is day to remember the US citizens who died while serving in the military. Although it is expressly about mourning the loss of lives, the day is often celebrated with joyful parades, picnics, and other gatherings.
I want to note that celebrants are living people, not those who died in service. I am very glad that those who celebrate are (or were) here on Memorial Day. Indeed, I am particularly glad that my father and my father in law, both of whom served in the US Navy during World War II, made it home alive to father and parent their children. Same for my uncles and other family members who have served in the military—mostly during times of peace.
As we focus on men who died in service, I hope that we also take time to remember the many others who engaged in war and returned, perhaps severely injured or disabled. Those who died are justly a focus of Memorial Day, bur those who suffered other consequences of warfare should not be forgotten.
In addition, others who were not directly engaged in the war efforts deserved recognition. Women and other civilians who stayed on the “home front” were often playing important parts in efforts supporting the war, whether that might include living on reduced rations, raising crops, building war materials (remember “Rosie the Riveter?”), etc. Let’s remember them, too!
And, even though my post here is quite USA-centric, “memorial day” isn’t owned by my country. Comparable celebrations occur in different countries. and at different times. They may be known as Remembrance Day, Doenherdenking, Commemoration Day, Volkstrauertag, ANZAC Day, Martyrs’ Day, Armistice Day, Yom Hazikaron, or any of other labels as well as those in different languages. Happy “memorial” day to Dear Readers from those countries (at the right times-dates), too.
Please do not construe this post as taking away from those who gave their lives. Their great sacrifice merits appreciation. My wish for everyone is that we henceforth have no additional fatalities (or injuries) from wars. Let us mourn and appreciate those who died in warfare and add no more to their number.
JohnL
John Wills Lloyd, 25 May 2026